About Alyssa Martin

I was born in Texas but I have called Tupelo, Mississippi my home for years. Tupelo High School graduate, Itawamba Community College graduate and Mississippi State University graduate. I am passionate about all things maroon and white!
Ever since I was young I knew I wanted to go into TV news. Watching my dad as a young girl on TV, I knew that one day, I wanted to do the same. After graduating high school, I quickly began to pursue my degree in Broadcast Journalism. Never once did I second guess or change my major in communication. I love meeting people and being out in the community. News is my passion and I am so thankful to the opportunities offered to me out of college. I cannot wait to see where this career will take me in life!

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) — Hundreds of kids from the Tupelo area have taken part in what hopefully will be the “world’s largest swim and safety lesson.”

The Tupelo Aquatic Center was the official host location for an effort to set a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest swimming lesson.

The global record attempt took place, simultaneously, at ten this morning. After a short safety video, participants got in the pool and were taken through safety drills by certified lifeguards.

Organizers say the attempt is meant to get swimmers focused on the importance of safety in and around the water.

“Drowning is the leading cause of death in children, ages 1 to 5 and it’s the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 14. So we think it’s very important that everyone is participating in swim lessons to prevent drowning,” said Amy Kennedy, Aquatic Center Director.

The current record for the largest simultaneous swimming lesson stands at 32,450 participants. Today’s attempt included swimmers in 48 states and 20 countries.